Dornoch Exits Fountain of Youth with Eye on Derby

Dornoch  exited his March 2 victory in the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park so well that his trainer Danny Gargan expects to make a decision on the Triple Crown prospect's next start "toward the end of the week."

Dornoch, who scored a 1 3/4-length triumph in the key prep for the $1 million Florida Derby (G1), is stabled at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream's satellite training facility in Palm Beach County.

"He's great. He looked good this morning. He cooled out nice. We're happy with him. He ate up well," Gargan said. "We're pleased with him."

Following Dornoch's professional performance as the 1-5 favorite in the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth, Gargan said the 3-year-old full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage   would likely return in either the March 30 Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream or the April 6 Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, where Dornoch broke his maiden Oct. 14.

The son of Good Magic   entered the Fountain of Youth off a gutsy triumph in the Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack, where he nosed out Sierra Leone , who came back to win the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Dornoch, who currently ranks second in Kentucky Derby qualifying points, established himself as a prime Triple Crown prospect with his victory in the Fountain of Youth.

MCCARTHY: Dornoch Scores Against Depleted Fountain of Youth Field

Dornoch is owned by West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding and Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables.

"It's exciting, but you need to stay focused with the task at hand and just be thankful you're in this position," Gargan said. "Working for guys who have been in the Derby and stuff, you just have to remember the way everything went and stay in your lane, not try to get too creative, and just let the horse get you there."

Vicente Stella Stables' Le Dom Bro , who made an inside challenge at the top of the stretch before settling for second at 27-1, also exited the Fountain of Youth in good order. A start in the Florida Derby is likely.

"I'd say it's 90 percent for the Florida Derby," said owner Vicente Stella, whose son of Mucho Macho Man   is trained by Eniel Cordero.

If Dornoch and Le Dom Bro do run in the Florida Derby one horse waiting for them will likely be Hades . The undefeated winner of the Holy Bull (G3) worked four furlongs March 3 at Gulfstream in :48.64. It was his third work since winning the Holy Bull Feb. 3.